A woman with long dark hair, wearing a white blazer with black lapel, sitting on a white sofa in a bright room and smiling at the camera.

STEP ONE: STYLE WITH INTENTION

Before you choose outfits, ask yourself:

  • What do I want my portraits to say about me/us?

  • How do I want to feel when I look at these later?

  • Which words best describe the vibe I want—elegant, confident, creative, calm, bold, warm?

Let your wardrobe support that vision.

WHAT TONE AM I?

+ THE VEIN TEST

- look at the veins on your wrist

- olive/green veins = warm toned

- blue veins = cool toned

- mix of the above = neutral toned

+ THE WHITE PAPER TEST

- hold a white sheet of paper next to your chest

- blue/pink skin colors = cool toned

- green/gold skin colors = warm toned

- neutral tones will fluctuate based on season

+ THE JEWELRY TEST

- use only necklaces or bracelets for this test

- which metal makes your skin look healthier?

- gold metals = warm toned

- silver metals = cool toned

+ SUN EXPOSURE

- cool toned skin tends to burn easily

- warm toned skin tends to tan easily

FLATTERING YOUR SKIN TONE:

  • Four colored circles arranged horizontally, pink, teal, purple, and red on a white background.

    Shades for Everyone!

    Blush Pink, True Red, Sea Teal, Eggplant Purple

    These beautiful shades look great on almost every skin tone. These shades are considered "universal" in that they flatter most tones paired with eye and hair colors.

  • Six colored circles in a horizontal row, from left to right: dark brown, yellow, orange, red, green, purple.

    Warm Tones 🍂

    HAIR COLOR: deep dark brown to dark blonde

    SKIN TONE: green / yellow / golden / olive undertones

    CELEBRITY SHADES: J Lo, Jessica Alba, Kim Kardashian, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Anniston

    The colors that look best with your skin tones are rich, earthy tones in shades of red, orange, yellow, greens and browns. If you're in the mood for neutral colors, check out warm grays like mushroom or taupe and off-whites.

    Quick Tip: jewel tones still look good on warm tones, but deeper in color (eggplant instead of purple, deep teal instead of electric blue)

    Complimentary Colors: khaki, gray, olive green, orange, coral

  • Six colored circles in a row: burgundy, light blue, purple, green, navy, gray.

    Cool Tones ❄️

    HAIR COLOR: ash blonde and ash brown, black with blue

    SKIN TONE: blue / rosy / pink undertones

    CELEBRITY SHADES: Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfreid, Nicole Kidman, Liv Tyler, Emma Stone

    The colors that look best with your skin tones are considered sea shades (teals, blues, greens) as well as frosty shades (berries, blue grays, icy tones). If you're in the mood for neutral colors, check out crisp whites.

    Quick Tip: if you have blue eyes, wear blue... and the same goes for green eyes and a green outfit

    Complimentary Colors: blues, greens purples

  • Six colorful circles arranged in a horizontal line, from left to right: purple, green, beige, pink, navy blue, red.

    Neutral Tones 🌿

    HAIR COLOR: combination of blonde with ashy streaks or brown with warmer streaks

    SKIN TONE: ivory / beige / light olive undertones

    CELEBRITY SHADES: Angelina Jolie, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon, Emmy Rossum

    The colors that look best with your skin tones are blush toned pinks, pastel yet rich berries. If you're in the mood for neutral colors, check out off-whites or grays.

    Quick Tip: most neutrals have hazel eyes and can accentuate the green in their eyes by wearing purples

    Complimentary Colors: jade green and placid blue

DRESSING FOR YOUR BODY TYPE

  • Title page with the text 'The Ruler or Rectangle Body Type' inside a thin black border.

    Rectangle 📏

    Goal: Create curves

    Wear scoop/v-neck tops, peplum styles, belts

    Add color contrast between top & bottom

    Opt for texture and refined patterns

  • Diagram comparing a glass of wine labeled "The Hour Glass" and a Coke bottle labeled "Coke Bottle Body Type".

    Hourglass ⏳

    Goal: Embrace shape

    Tailored fits (not tight)

    Belts at natural waist

    Avoid too-short skirts

  • A triangle diagram labeled 'The Pear or Triangle Body Type' in black text inside the triangle

    Pear 🍐

    Goal: Balance the top half

    Brighter/lighter tops, darker bottoms

    A-line skirts, flared pants

    Jackets that hit at the hip

  • A circle with the text 'The Circle or Apple Body Type' inside

    Apple 🍎

    Goal: Lengthen and define waist

    Long cardigans, ¾ sleeves, bootcut pants

    Avoid clingy fabrics

    Use layering and shapewear strategically

DO’S + DON’TS FOR PORTRAIT STYLING

  • ✅ DO:

    ✔ Wear fitted but comfortable clothes
    ✔ Choose tones that flatter your skin
    ✔ Bring variety: casual, elevated, layered
    ✔ Stick with minimal or classic accessories
    ✔ Choose proper undergarments (nude for light fabrics)
    ✔ Steam/iron all pieces

  • ❌ DON’T:

    ✖ Neon or fluorescent colors
    ✖ Big logos or distracting prints (camo, large plaid)
    ✖ Clothes that rise when you sit or walk
    ✖ Chunky, distracting jewelry
    ✖ Matching everyone exactly
    ✖ Visible straps or clingy fabrics

A woman with long blonde hair is smiling and getting her makeup done by a makeup artist. The woman is wearing a yellow floral cardigan and a white top, and the makeup artist is applying makeup to her cheek.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Hair & Makeup
Natural, soft glam, or clean grooming = timeless polish. Professional services recommended.

Shoes
Don’t forget to clean or polish footwear. It matters in full-body shots.

Nails
Neutral polish or clean nails photograph best.

Accessories
Minimal but intentional: a meaningful bracelet, sleek earrings, or a timeless hat.

MAKEUP and HAIR STYLING

  • MAKEUP

    Kelli Kaspar
    MUSE Hair & Makeup
    (409) 291-1871

  • HAIR STYLING

    Jacoby Wilcox
    MUSE Hair & Makeup
    (409) 291-1871

  • BACKUP OPTIONS

    Please contact me directly for more suggestions if Kelli and Jacoby are not available.